Author: Brian Glenn

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from January 30, 2022, to February 5, 2023. Universal Orlando Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval kicks off this Saturday, February 4, 2023, featuring Patti LaBelle live in concert. Taking place from February 4 through April 16, 2023, Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval – features a dazzling Mardi Gras parade, mouthwatering cuisine inspired by global Carnaval celebrations, and, on select nights, live concerts. For more information, visit here. Refurbishments Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure is closed for its annual Winter refurbishment. The…

Universal Orlando has scheduled Hagrid’s Magical Creature Motorbike Adventure at Islands of Adventure for refurbishment. The attraction will be closed from February 21, 2023, until March 5, 2023. It is believed the closure will allow Universal to fix the damage to the queue that was sustained during Hurricane Ian last year, as well as other upkeep and maintenance. Please keep in mind that these dates can change. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest on Universal Parks & Resorts.

Here’s a look around at what’s happening at Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood, from January 23, 2023, to January 29, 2023. Universal Orlando Rock the Universe, Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, is back at Universal Orlando from January 27-29; celebrating its 25th Anniversary. This year’s headliners include GRAMMY-nominated rock band, Skillet, Northern Irish folk-rock worship band, Rend Collective, Dove award-winning band, Bethel Music, and more. The festival continues Saturday night with performances by GRAMMY award-winning singer, Zach Williams, Billboard’s #1 Hot Christian Song artist, Matthew West, and more. For the full weekend lineup, visit www.RocktheUniverse.com Refurbishments Revenge of the Mummy at Universal Studios Florida is still in Technical…

The first themed elements of the new Villain-Con Minion Blast attraction have been added to the ride’s entrance, with 2 banners now hanging advertising the “Convention” and the appearance of the “Vicious 6”. The attraction is set to take guests inside Villain-Con – the biggest criminal convention on the planet – to take part in an epic competition to see if they have what it takes to become the newest member of The Vicious 6, a notorious group of supervillains from the hit film, Minions: The Rise of Gru. Villain-Con Minion Blast combines innovative screen technology, state-of-the-art gaming interactivity, and…

Reservations have reopened as the Marvel Character Dinner is set to return to Marvel Super Hero Island at Universal’s Islands of Adventure beginning on February 9, 2023. Located at Cafe 4, the experience allows guests to dine with popular Marvel characters such as Wolverine, Spider-Man, Captain America, and more. The buffet dinner includes one non-alcoholic beverage and one digital photo via My Universal Photos. Reservations are available from Thursday through Sunday each week, with pricing for adults (ages 10+) set at $49.99 and $24.99 per child (ages 3-9), plus tax. Valid theme park admission is required and Reservations must be…

Universal Studios Hollywood has closed Jurassic World: The Ride for refurbishment. The attraction will be closed until February 9, 2023, for maintenance. Please keep in mind that these dates can change. Universal usually schedules annual maintenance for its water rides during the cooler months, especially as attendance is softer. Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news and follow along on our forums.

Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating the Year of the Rabbit as they have announced that Hollywood & Dine will temporarily become the specially-themed Noodle House for the Lunar New Year. Guests will be able to enjoy Asian cuisine at the restaurant from January 19 through February 28. Take a look at the menu items below: Creamy Sesame Noodle Salad Secret Ingredient Noodle Soup Teriyaki Chicken Bowl Pork Ramen Prosperous Steamed Fish Bowl Lucky Lotus Cocktail & Mocktail Peachy Rabbit Cocktail & Mocktail Golden Mango Tea Cherry Cheesecake Rabbit & Year of the Rabbit Almond Cookie Long Life Sugar Doughnut…

DreamWorks characters have been added to the construction walls that surround the former Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone, potentially teasing the area’s future. Universal hasn’t outright stated what the replacement will be other than the new area will “immerse guests in the adventures of beloved animated adventures”, which could mean an entire DreamWorks land. While we don’t expect every character will be appearing in the new area (fingers crossed for Megamind), we can assume franchises like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Trolls have great odds of being featured – but that’s just speculation on our part. Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone officially closed at…

Universal Studios Florida is getting ready to let the good times roll as setup is underway for this year’s Mardi Gras 2023 event. Most of the preparation has been adding lighting trusses as well as the food & drink booths around the park. The New York booths are themed to the famous French Quarter area of New Orleans. Other booths have been added to San Francisco and World Expo, but have not been themed yet. Taking place from February 4 through April 16, 2023, Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval – features a dazzling Mardi Gras parade, mouthwatering cuisine inspired by…

It’s been a while, but CityWalk Orlando has a Welcome sign again. A new “Welcome to Universal Orlando Resort” sign has been installed on the bridge at the entrance to Universal Orlando’s CityWalk. The sign now features the bold Universal typeface, with the familiar Universal dark blue – much like the look of the new Universal Studios Store located inside CityWalk. The sign began work in March 2022 but remained practically untouched until this week. https://twitter.com/insideuniversal/status/1507343344711651331?s=20&t=ZjRDl6kAOpMRLrnOILiqCQ What say you of the new sign? Stay tuned to Inside Universal for all the latest news and follow along on our forums.